Active adults choose to purchase homes within a 55+ community in Iowa for many reasons. Whether it s remaining close to friends and family or seeking the laidback Midwestern lifestyle, there are many reasons retirees and working adults stick to Iowa.

While many don t think of age-restricted communities in Iowa due to winters and rural areas, there are many things to consider. Residents of active adult communities in Iowa enjoy a relatively low cost of living, friendly environment, and great quality of life.

Climate & Geography

Like most states in the Midwest region of the United States, Iowa has a humid continental climate. This means 55+ communities in Iowa experience a four-season climate with extremes of both heat and cold. Iowa sees thunderstorms about 50 days per year and tornado season is during the spring and summer months. Summers in Iowa are hot and humid while the winter seasons see plenty of snowfall.

Situated in the Midwest, Iowa is often referred to as the "American Heartland . Though many may think Iowa is a flat state, it is filled with rolling hills. Active adult communities in Iowa have easy access to other Midwest states including Wisconsin and Illinois to the east, Missouri to the south, Nebraska and South Dakota to the west, and Minnesota to the north.

Recreation, Culture & Entertainment

Iowa has historic sites and museums as well as parks and art galleries. The capital of Iowa, Des Moines, is home to the State Capitol building that hosts guided tours. Residents of 55+ communities in Iowa can visit the Capitol grounds World War II memorial. Also, the West Capitol Terrace hosts a people s park with ten acres of lush landscaping and picturesque views. The State of Iowa Historical Museum is not only a museum but also has a library, archives, and research center in Des Moines.

Those looking for art and culture can visit the Des Moines Metro Opera, The Temple for Performing Arts and The Des Moines Playhouse - all of which host live theater, comedy shows, and performance art events. Popular festivals and events include the annual Des Moines Arts Festival in June, Metra Art Jazz in July, the Iowa State Fair in August, and the World Food Festival in October. Whether shopping for locally grown produce at the farmers market or attending a craft event, 55+ homebuyers will enjoy Iowa s small town charm with plenty to do throughout the year.

Dubuque, Iowa is also home to many attractions near active adult communities in Iowa. Popular attractions include St. Luke s United Methodist Church, Eagle Point Park, Fenelon Place Elevator Co., and the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. Other recreational opportunities in Dubuque are the Dubuque Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Mines of Spain Recreational Area, Art of the River, and Crystal Lake Cave.

Cedar Rapids is a popular area for historic sites, museums, and attractions as well. Baseball fans can attend a Cedar Rapids Kernels game while history buffs can visit the historic Brucemore house or National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library. Other popular cities include Sioux City, Davenport, Waterloo, and Iowa City.

Cost of Living & Taxes

Those who choose to retire in an active adult community in Iowa enjoy a low cost of living. The cost of living in the state of Iowa is about eleven percent lower than the national average. Working adults will be pleased to know that the unemployment rate in Iowa is well below the national average too. Iowa collects income taxes in nine brackets that range from .36% to 8.98% and a sales tax at 6%.

Healthcare

55+ communities in Iowa have access to about 125 hospitals, one of which is nationally ranked and nine others have high-performing specialties. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City have been ranked number one in the state for numerous specialties. Other top hospitals include Genesis Medical Center in Davenport, UnityPoint Health-St. Luke s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines, and Alegent Creighton Mercy Hospital in in Council Bluffs.